Bathroom for Disable and How to Decorate It

For many disabled people, especially those confined to wheelchairs, the every day actions able-bodied people take can be a real hardship. Especially difficult is using the bathroom, whether it is using the toilet, showering or having a bath.

Clever, innovative bathroom design can, however, make a disabled person's life much, much easier. There are many clever bath and shower solutions on the market for the disabled, some of which we will discuss here, but it is the actual layout and design of the bathroom that will ultimately make the most of those solutions.

First, let's look at the solutions for the toilet. In many cases, a solid bar fixed to the wall or floor next to the toilet is sufficient for most disabled people. It is only placement that needs to be considered. However, other options include comfortable height toilets and portable toilets.

For bathing, there walk in baths, low sided baths and bath chairs, while for showering there are in-shower chairs, low door level showers for easy wheelchair access and large size controls for the visually impaired. Low level or high level sinks and shelving unites are other options.

Once you have identified the needs of a particular person, it's relatively easy to choose the fittings you need. The trickier bit is fitting them into the space you have available at home in the bathroom.

This is where a good bathroom designer is required, ideally using bathroom design software. Why? Because this will save you both time and money. Bathroom planner software can be used to recreate the dimensions of your bathroom in 3D, then place, again in 3D, the fittings you have chosen.

Working with you or the disabled person in your care, the designer will utilise this 3D CAD software to draw out the room, position the fittings and ensure there is sufficient space for moving around and actually using those fittings.

In addition, the software can help even with the decor. The designer will be able to change the colour of the walls, choose a suitable floor covering, window blinds or curtains, even place mirrors and / or pictures on the walls.

You will be able to visualise exactly how the finished bathroom will look and, more importantly, function. Once you're happy with the final design it can be passed to the bathroom fitters to work to before they have even started, ensuring there are no costly mistakes made or expensive adjustments required once the bathroom is complete.

The result of this is a much more pleasant experience for the disabled person, perhaps even a freer, more independent life, a beautiful, useful bathroom and a reduction in overall potential costs!

Disabled people should enjoy the same comforts that able-bodied people enjoy, and with a bit of careful planning, the aid of technology and the continued innovation in making everyday products and tools usable by the disabled, they can do just that.

When you are next looking at making your bathroom (or kitchen, bedroom - any room in the house) more suitable for disabled use, make sure you take advantage of every available tool to do so.

Kids Bedroom Decorating Idea

As your children start to form their own personalities, it is perfectly natural for them to want a say in how their rooms will be decorated. Like so many things, when they were babies and toddlers, you decided everything from what they ate to what they wore to how their rooms should be designed. Encouraging them to have their own personalities and to express them, now that they are older, you can involve them in the makeover of their bedroom.

The Dos and Don'ts of Turning the Makeover into a Joint Project
Much as your son might want start the project with murals of his favorite movie or video game character, you know that one day he will grow out of this phase. Conversely, your daughter may want to see her walls adorned with a life size Ariel and Ursula but you being the wise parent that you are, you know that it won't be long before she has matured and want them replaced with the minimalist look.

When these discussions arise, the best way is to talk with them, but don't reason with them. By 9 and 10 kids can be reasoned with. At 6 and 7, this is quite a challenge. Instead, encourage them to use paint colors to express their personalities. If your daughter likes pinks, purples and lavenders, let her have all three.

By all means involve your kids in the decorating process. Remember, you may not want to live with some of their ideas, but to a certain extent because you want to encourage them to express themselves, you will both have to compromise. If you "get your way" more than your child, he or she won't want to spend much time in their bedroom, which defeats the purpose of giving them their own space.

There will always be areas of compromise with this project. Once you've painted the walls, he may want to live in a dark room with no light or she may want a spotlight for times when she and her friends are practicing to audition to be future American Idol contestants. Lighting is crucial and while living in the catacombs is not an option, maybe a small spotlight is.

Lastly, not everything your child wants to express him or herself has to come from a store. Encourage them to make things to proudly display on the walls or to place on furniture. This not only encourages their self-esteem, but you may just have a budding artist that neither of you knew existed.

How to Choose Bedroom Furniture

Your bedroom is your sanctuary where you can relax, be yourself and do whatever it is that you wanted to do. For these reasons, it must have furniture that can help you achieve the comfort that you need especially during the night. Your bedroom must provide you a soothing ambiance that is essential in order to calm down your senses. It must have furniture that can likewise offer you the same convenience that you need.

Everybody wants to have a rest after a busy day in the office. It is a choice between spending some time in the living room to watch a TV program or go directly to your bedroom and lay on your bed. If you select the second option, your bed must provide you the comfort that you need to soothe your aching back.

What I am trying to say is that your choice of bedroom furniture plays an important role in loosening up as well as contributing to the serenity of your room. It is, of course, necessary to consider aesthetics; however, everything must blend well.

You have various selections to choose from when buying bedroom furniture.

First, you need to know what furniture is needed in your room. The central figure in the bedroom is your bed. Nevertheless, you should not ignore the other fitment that also contributes on obtaining warmth, comfort and serenity in the room. This includes the nightstand, wardrobe, chest and the mirror.

You can opt to have the normal style of bed, the platform beds, headboard beds or the four-poster beds from the variety of bed styles and designs. This will depend on your preference and if you are sharing the bedroom with someone like your spouse or a friend.

The nightstand must have some drawers where you can put some of your stuff to have order in the room.

Your wardrobe must likewise be able to accommodate your clothes, shoes and other accessories. The new modern designs of wardrobe have compartments and shelves. Make sure, however, that you can put your clothes in an orderly manner so they will not look like a mess inside.

A chest of drawers is integral so you can have more storage for your other personal belongings and stuff. It would be nice if you can get a chest with a mirror, which will be helpful when putting on make-up. If you do not, you can have a mirror installed at the back of the door of your wardrobe.

Next, examine the materials of the bedroom furniture before finally making a decision. If you want wooden furniture, you can select between hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is known for its strength and good finish. Its wood grains are striking and are elegant and chic. Those made of mahogany are expensive because of its rich patina. Softwood is also tough but lacks the good finish of hardwood.

Finally, keep your bedroom clutter-free. Modern beds are equipped with drawers where you can keep your linens, pillowcases and curtains to help you maintain order in the room.

You can also have a small desk if you prefer to work inside your bedroom. Ensure though that you have a desk lamp and get a chair that has a shelf under it for storage.

Clean your bedroom on a regular basis. Avoid putting too many ornaments; just keep the essential ones in your bedroom.

Designing your bedroom does not only involve choosing the proper furniture. It must also include the wall color, decorations and curtains. Balance is important; therefore, coordinate the colors of your furniture and furnishings.

How to Get More Space Out of Your Bathroom

After a full-day in this modern world of hustle and bustle, more and more people are finding bathrooms to be the best place to relax, de-stress, and even luxuriate. This is among the main reasons why the number of homeowners who decide to undertake a bathroom remodeling project continues to increase. Other than enhancing the quality of living, this type of home improvement helps sell a home faster in the future and can be a good investment.

Unless you live in a custom-built home, a common challenge with such renovation is space, especially for those living in big cities like New York. This article discusses how to get more space out of bathrooms without needing to add square footage.

Showers and Tubs
Deciding to have a shower or a tub is a big decision when bathroom remodeling. Depending on preferences, it can either be of the two or both with the one piece tub shower units now available in the market. But if you choose to have just the tub, it would be best to shop for a one that is smaller in size but deeper. A shower on the other hand is the best choice if your aim is to save space, taking up only half of the space that a tub occupies. To create an airy look to the shower stall, you can choose to take down the partial shower wall and go for sliding glass doors instead of the usual hinged doors that take up much space when opened.

Maximize Light
Lighting is an essential element that should be maximized when working on small bathrooms. The more light you integrate into the bathroom remodeling; the more spacious the room will look. When planning on this the renovation does not have involve big changes. But if you can afford it, widening or adding windows would be a great step. If not, then you can achieve more lighting without spending too much by using design materials such as glass, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces. Neutrals and light colors also help diffuse light.

Tidy Up
Cleaning up alone can bring considerable change when it comes to freeing more space in small is bathrooms. While at it, try to evaluate what you have in the area that is unnecessarily taking too much space. If your old, bulky radiator is, then it may be better to move it high up on the wall or better yet replace it with a more efficient and more compact designed unit. Other items to be on the look out for include free standing mirrors, towel basket, large-sized cupboards and trash bins.

Storage
To promote and maintain organization in small bathrooms which is crucial to avoid clutter that makes the area look all the more crowded, invest in the right set of bathroom cabinets. Free up floor space by installing wall mounted cabinets. When chopping for cabinetry and vanities, choose narrow profiles that use up only a small amount of room. And to make use of every inch of storage, it would be wise to integrate cabinet upgrades and accessories such as roll-out trays, drawer organizers, roll-out bins, etc.

Using Bistro Chalkboards for Decorating Your Kitchen

Bistro chalkboards are a very useful thing to have for your eatery, no matter how big or small. Or, you may just want one to add appeal inside your home, or to use for another reason in your business, even if is not a restaurant. Regardless of the reason you would want one, there are so many different ones to choose from.
From brands, to shapes to size and design, you will have no problems finding a great deal of selection for this style of chalkboard.

What are Bistro Chalkboards?
Chalkboards like this are, often times, also referred to as bistro mats or French Bistro mats. The purpose is to write out messages, like you would on a chalkboard. These are most commonly used to write out an entire menu or the specials for the day. You may also be planning to use it one just to draw attention to your business or hanging it in the interior, to create a certain look.

Though originally more of a traditional chalkboard that stood outside like a sandwich board, there are different varieties, nowadays. You can find mats or boards like this that are very wide in their range. People often use light boards, as another style. You can use chalk, chalk markers and certain types of other markers to write out your message.

Why Use These Bistro Mats?
There are numerous reasons one might use a bistro chalkboard in their home or business. Most commonly, you could write out the menu or specials and help attract customers from outside. The reason a chalkboard is ideal, is that you can change the menu, specials or overall message. Of course, this can be a useful tool for any type of business that wants to convey a message, sale or daily specials to customers. It is a very popular method for bringing in people off the street.

Some people, though, like to use these inside and establishment, as well. You can still make customers or diners aware of what you have to offer, by using a bistro mat. You can also give a price list for wines or bring attention to a sale area, if used in an establishment other than a restaurant.

If you are going for a French or French bistro look inside your home, you could simply use one of these chalkboards to make shopping lists or write out messages to other members of your family.

What About the Look?
These boards or bistro mats can be elaborate or less ornate. Some are plain, for you to fill the space completely, or include lettering and detailing to create a French bistro look. You may find them in different sizes, or in shapes like rectangles, ovals or half circles. Look at some bistro chalkboards and you can include one or more in your business, today.

Changing Your Bathroom Furniture

Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your house; it is used every day without fail. When it comes to buying furniture for your bathroom it is not always easy getting it all to fit together and look good in the room. Spending time planning out the bathroom is a vital key to success because you can have drawn out plans which let you see how much space you can have after the install of the furniture. Using computer programs which assist in the computer aided design can be used to show the perspectives of your bathroom. Programs like these are useful because you can play around with different pieces of bathroom furniture and see how they fit best.

If you want to update your bathroom furniture whilst sticking to the budget you have arranged, you should keep the layout you have and replace the furniture you have currently. This allows you to keep the set plumbing points which you currently have. Also because you are keeping the same plumbing points, this means that you won't be left without a bathroom while yours is being renovated.

When you are planning your bathroom and you are considering which furniture you would like, it is important to think what is going to be stored in the cupboards or draws. This can then determine the size of the cabinets that you will require or if you would need more than one. A useful vanity option which runs from the ceiling to floor provides the perfect space for towels and cloths. Having a vanity unit with a basin is a good space-saving unit and it can also have a surface which can be used for accessories.

When it comes to bathroom furniture its can either be wall hung or free-standing and they are very different from each other. The wall hung option for furniture is for more modern bathrooms which have a limited amount of space. The wall hung choice creates a minimalistic feeling in your bathroom and makes it seem much more spacious by taking up less floor space. The free-standing furniture has a more of a contemporary look and brings a stylish modern piece of furniture to your home. A good example of a piece of free-standing furniture is a chest of drawers these would be useful for the storage of bathroom products. In some cases it good to use both free-standing and wall hung furniture because this creates extra space.

Italian Bedroom Furniture

Italian furniture designs are elegant and versatile. Their timeless beauty can go well with any style of home decorations and home accessories. This is why modern Italian bedroom furniture pieces are very well-admired by many homeowners. Italian furniture designs have been ruling the furniture industry business all over the globe for many generations now.

With today's latest innovations of modern Italian design of furniture pieces, they are not just suitable for big homes. Today, you can find many exceptional varieties of modern Italian designs that are even perfect for small homes like apartments or condominiums. These modern bedroom furniture pieces are flexible and durable.

There are a lot of modern bedroom furniture items that you can choose to furnish your bedroom space. You can choose from the many types, sizes, shapes and designs of beds. You can find one that will surely suit your bedroom space, as well as your own personal preferences.

Hiring professional interior decorators or designers can help you in choosing the perfect bedroom furniture pieces for you. They can give you advice and suggestions on which style of bedroom furniture is suitable for your bedroom space, together with the right accessories and decorations that will make your bedroom a lot more appealing. They also know where to buy good quality and reasonably priced modern Italian bedroom furniture pieces.

If you don't want to get professional help, you can do your own designing and decorating, as well. It is not too hard, as long as you know and understand the art of bedroom decorating. You can get some ideas online. It's easy and convenient for you, because all you have to do is browse on the net and you can get all the information you need in an instant. You'll get ideas on how to mix and match different styles of furniture and how to combine different colors.

Modern Italian designs are so versatile, which make them blend beautifully well with other styles of home furnishings. Aside from that, they are made from high quality materials that make them very durable. They are made from high-quality natural woods, steel, glass and many other excellent furniture materials.

You can obviously make a distinction between modern Italian bedroom furniture and the other types of bedroom furniture available in the furniture stores today. You have to keep in mind that there are a lot of imitations of leather made beds. If you are not familiar with the distinctive characters of genuine leather, you can ask assistance from your family and friends if they are knowledgeable when it comes to leather materials.

The bedroom is the place in our homes where we spend time to relax, rest, sleep or just to hide away from our busy lifestyles. That is why it is important that we have furniture pieces in our bedroom that can give us comfort and style. With the vast varieties of bedroom furniture you can find in the market today, you can easily find furniture pieces that can give you both.

Just make sure that you only buy from reputable modern Italian bedroom furniture stores. There are a lot of furniture stores, be it online or your local furniture stores who are selling low quality furniture items. Be careful about this and make sure that you are getting your money's worth.

Choosing the Right Shape of Dining Table for Your Home

While they are called dining tables, there are many other purposes for this furniture than just dining in some homes. For those with limited kitchen spaces, they also serve as preparation tables for cooking. For those who have big houses with two dining areas, one table may be reserved for when there are house guests, while the other, for daily meals. Some of these tables double up as working tables for paperwork or arts and crafts. To help you choose which table would be best for your dining area, below are some points you need to consider when shopping for one.

First of all, you need to measure your dining room or area. Then, you need to know how many people you need to accommodate everyday, or most of the time, in that space. You may just have 4 members in your household, but if you have guests in the house each week, you might want to think about making provisions for those regular visitors. However, you also have to consider the table's proportion to the room size. You need to be sure that the table you buy should give, at the very least, a 24-inch space for every person at the table and a width of one person in-between chairs. In addition, your table should have a minimum distance of 30 inches from the walls or items around it.

If you've got a small room, a square table usually works best among all other shapes of dining tables. Square tables save space and also create an ambience that's casual and intimate. Remember that strategic placing of square items is easy, except in long spaces where they usually look strange. The only other disadvantage of a square table is that it can't accommodate a large party.

If your space can afford it, perhaps you should choose a rectangular table, so you won't have any problem about seating more people than the usual. This table is also versatile, especially for the common activities in a dining area. You can convert it to a buffet table when hosting a dinner that's larger than the ordinary. Your special family dinners also look more elegant when you set it with candelabra in the center, while the head of the family is seated at one end carving the main course or making a toast.

They say that round tables encourage more conversations. So, if you'd like your household to have chats over meals, consider buying a round table. You just need to keep in mind, though, that round items aren't space-savers, so you need to see if your dining area is wide enough to have a round table.

Table shapes are a good basic point where you can start choosing from all the dining tables you'll see in furniture shops. From here, you can determine the material and finish that you think would look best in your home.

New Kitchen Floor Tiles

Kitchen floor takes much punishment from footwear and also braves many things including caustic and acidic liquids, oil, fruit pulps, egg residue, spices and minor vegetables and meat pieces. If you think that your concrete or wood floor can brave these things for long then you are wrong. Regular flooring has only one advantaged and many disadvantages. It may be good looking but it allows the food particles and moisture to set over the surface and it a perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. On the other hand, kitchen floor tiles not only improve the look of the room but also keep it clean and hygienic.

If you want to know how many kinds of kitchen floor tiles are available in the market and what are their prices then you need to take a round of the stone and tiles market. You can also access online stone stores to get the answers of these questions. Online stores retain almost all the varieties of slabs. If you want to know more about flooring material then you can read Internet articles on slabs authored by seasoned architects and eminent interior designers. You may find regular flooring cost effective and beautiful but it is in way suitable for cooking area.

The good thing about kitchen floor tiles is that they are convenient to install and easy to maintain. These slabs display excellent water resistance capacity and they are also resilient towards spills and stains. They look so smooth and glossy that you will afraid to walk over the tiled surface. The fear of slipping down will discourage you from walking over the slabs. But in reality these slabs are anti-slippery. You can move swiftly over the slabs without any apprehension. You will be amazed to know that these pieces are never slippery even when they are submerged in water.

A wide variety of kitchen floor tiles is available in the market. You can choose from clay made and natural stone slabs. A majority of homeowners choose clay made slabs because they are cost effective than natural stone pieces. Those who can spend some extra bucks use natural stone slabs like marble, granite, travertine, slate and quartz. You should select a slab that matches with the design of your home and also fits into your pocket. There are many slabs to choose from and you won't find any hassle in choosing the right flooring for your kitchen.

Choose the Suitable Kitchen Wall Tiles

Kitchen wall tiles are considered a luxury and not a necessity. A majority of homeowners assume that slabs are decorative pieces and they are installed on the walls just to make the cooking area look more beautiful and appealing. It is true that slabs are decorative pieces but it's not true that they are not a necessity. Wall tiling would not only add elegance to your kitchen but also help you keep it clean and hygienic. Slabs display high resilience towards moisture, dirt, dust and spills. They can be cleaned with soap water or mild detergents. The good thing about these slabs is that they don't require regular cleaning.

A wide array of kitchen wall tiles is available in the market. There are ceramic slabs, porcelain pieces, and slate, marble, granite and glass tiles. You can choose the slabs that match perfectly with the design of your home. Each slab has its advantages and disadvantages. Take for example marble. Marble is the most beautiful flooring available in the market but it has poor water resistance capacity. On the other hand, ceramic displays excellent resilience towards water and moisture but it is not as beautiful as marble slab. You need to consider certain factors when shopping for slabs.

Money is the prime factor that you should consider when choosing kitchen wall tiles for your home. Ideally you should set aside some budget for your kitchen renovation. With a fix budget in hand, you can start shopping for slabs. Choose the flooring that falls within your budget. Start with ceramic flooring as it is cost effective, beautiful and has high resilience towards moisture and spill. If you think that you can spend more on slabs then look for expensive pieces like marble, travertine and granite. These pieces are expensive but they worth the price.

Installation and maintenance is another factor you need to consider when selecting kitchen wall tiles for your cooking area. Use the slabs that are convenient to install and easy to maintain. There are only two kinds of slabs that fit this description and they are ceramic and granite slabs. Ceramic flooring material is affordable while granite pieces are expensive. You can buy one according to your requirement. If you are working in limited budget then choose ceramic slabs. If you can spend lavishly on slabs then use granite. You can consider travertine slabs if you are not satisfied with the ceramic and granite designs.

Suitable Blinds for Your Home Furnishing

Hanging new window coverings in your home not only helps reduce the amount of light trickling in, they can also help spruce up their space significantly. Taking the time to look through the different styles of blinds that are available can help you find the very best fit for your home. Some rooms look ideal with the smooth and clean look of roman styles, while other homes may require a vertical design due to their affordable price tag. Being patient as you look over the different styles can help ensure that you are completely satisfied with your final selection.

Staying Within a Budget

A lot of people flip through interior design magazines to find inspiration for decorating their home. While this is a great way to get new ideas, it is important to understand the varying cost certain window coverings can be. Putting aside some time to look over the different types of window coverings for sale can help ensure that an individual doesn't become surprised by the high costs of some blinds. Setting a budget for window coverings will ensure that every window can be covered without spending an enormous amount of money. Choosing affordable coverings can also help reduce the high cost of decorating an entire room.

Learning More About Different Options

It is so important, while browsing, to consider the pros and cons of different window coverings. Families with young children are typically looking for a type of window covering that is safe, durable and easy to clean. Vertically designed options can be swiped clean with a cloth and typically don't have any hazards. Likewise, many professionals like coverings that feature a very clean and streamlined look. Considering the different pros and cons of window coverings can ensure that the final purchase will be exactly what the individual wants.

Considering Colours and Patterns

Many people choose a neutral colour such as beige or white while looking over the different blinds for sale. This is typically due to how easy it makes matching the window coverings with different colours in the room. Avoiding bold patterns of bright colours is a smart move that can make furnishing and decorating a room easy. While a lot of people go by a neutral rule, there are plenty of nice options which feature patterns and interested shades. When an individual simply takes the time to consider their own unique style, they should be able to find something that looks and works great for their home.

There are numerous variations in the coverings that can be used for windows. Whether an individual wants a very basic vertical blind design or something a little more complex, it is important to consider the unique factors of each. Taking the time to look over different variations and their unique styles will help somebody find a great fit for their home. Rather than going ahead and purchasing almost any window covering, it is vital to consider how it will fit into their home and the completed look it will present.

Choose the Suitable Bathroom Tiles

If you are planning to renovate your bathroom then your objective should be to improve the utility of the bath and not just embellish the room with high end accessories, attractive fixtures and glossy bathroom tiles. These elements may enhance the beauty of your bath but you should think how they could improve the utility of your shower room. Everything from accessories to fixtures and lightings to flooring in the bath should be more utilitarian than decorative. But people put more focus on choosing accessories and slabs for decoration rather than making the room user friendly. There are certain factors you need to consider when renovating your bathroom.

Slip resistant: Wet floor can become slippery and you can have a bad time bathing in your slippery shower room. What makes a floor slippery is glossy slabs and soap mixed water. You should be cautious when shopping for bathroom tiles. There are many slabs in the market buy you should look for slip resistant pieces only. Ask the retailer to show you the slabs that anti-skid. If you are shopping online then search slabs that are anti-slippery. Online stores can provide a wide range of anti-skid flooring. Your bath floor must have the grip to hold your feet even when the floor is flooded with soap water.

Water resistant: Bathroom tiles must display excellent resilience towards water and moisture because they have to brave gallons of water every day. Finding waterproof slabs is not a difficult task as most of slabs available in the market have impressive water resistant feature. What is important is to make the entire bathroom waterproof. You should know that slabs require grouting. Grout is filler and it can't withstand water or moisture. Installing good quality waterproof flooring in your bathroom is not enough as you need to make the grout lines waterproof too. To prevent the grout lines from giving way to water, you need to seal the entire tiled floor.

Precaution is the key to maintenance of the bathroom tiles. You should make it your habit to wipe the extra water from the bath floor every time after using the bathroom. Stagnant water can break the sealing and bring out the grout lines. Also a moist floor can become a perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Before it happens to your bathroom floor, you need to take precautionary measure. Make sure that your bath remains dry and free from moisture.

How to Remove Scratches from Your Wood Laminate Flooring

Quality laminate flooring looks similar to real wood, stone or tile, and is often more durable and definitely easier to maintain. Of course, you might still end up with the occasional scratch or flaw in your flooring, so it's important to be prepared with a solution. Check out these three easy ways to remove scratches from wood laminate flooring.

1. Use a Laminate Repair Kit

Whether it's a small scratch from a dropped fork or a larger scratch from moving a chair across the room, a laminate repair kit will fix most flaws. These kits are available at hardware stores and from flooring retailers, and they include all the tools you'll need to remove scratches. Laminate repair kits come in different colors, so by choosing the right match kit, you can match your repair to the exact shade of your wood laminate flooring. Pick up a kit at the same time you buy your new flooring, or bring along a sample plank so that you can match colors at the store. It's a simple and extremely affordable way to remove scratches.

2. Try Colored Filling Pencils

Try special filling pencils for removing scratches from your wood laminate flooring. Most people buy these pencils to remove scratches from real wood, but the pencils can also be used on laminate materials. Before you begin filling in the scratch, you should make sure that the area around the problem spot is cleaned and dried. If the color is matched correctly, the pencil will fill in the scratch and make it less visible to visitors.

3. Save Extra Planks for Repairs

In some cases, it might be necessary to replace the section of the flooring that is scratched. Replacing a plank takes longer and can cost more than a colored pencil or repair kit. However, it might be the only way to truly remove extreme scratches or areas that are especially damaged. If you have a significant dent in your flooring, it's going to be easier and more effective to replace the plank than to try to fill it in with a pencil.

If you've saved extra pieces from the initial installation, it's simple to replace a piece of your wood laminate flooring. You'll already have the exact style and color on hand, and you won't have to spend any more money. New sets of laminate flooring can be pricey if you only need one piece, so it might be a good idea to buy a few extra pieces upfront for repair cases. Fortunately, laminate flooring is very easy to install. There's no need to hire a professional for such a simple repair. Instead, you can spend a bit of your own time and quickly have a new-looking floor again.

Prevent Scratches in Advance

Though there are several easy ways to remove scratches from your wood laminate flooring, it's best if you can avoid them in the first place. Laminate flooring is easy to maintain and will last for many years with the proper care. To avoid scratches in advance, use mats in entryways and in areas that are likely to get scratched. You might even want to consider having guests slip cloth coverings over their shoes before entering, particularly if they are wearing shoes with high heels or platforms. Finally, you should be extremely careful any time you move furniture around. Put protectors on the legs of chairs, couches and tables before moving them across the room, and never drag furniture from one end of the room to the other.

When scratches do appear, you should take care of them quickly in order to minimize their impact. A scratch that is left alone for too long can become deeper and longer, which makes it more difficult to eliminate in the end. With proper care and maintenance, your wood laminate flooring will continue to look fresh for years to come.

How to Make Small Room Looks Larger

There are various reasons why people would want to live in small dwellings. Whatever their reason is, it follows that with small abodes, rooms are also small.

Here are a few tips on how to make a small room look larger:

• To create the impression of a bigger room, make use of a light color scheme instead of dark or bright hues. Neutrals, white and pastels are good choices.
• Make use of a single color scheme in different tints or shades for your walls, furniture and rugs.
• Open up space by using proper lighting fixtures. Recessed lights are alluring to the sight and are ideal for small homes. You can likewise use torch lights. Their lights bounce off to the ceiling and back down on the room. Other options are solar tubes and skylights.
• Avoid heavy curtains. Just use the flimsy ones and open them up to let natural lights inside the room.
• Use light colors for your floors like a light-hued carpet or light oak floors. This will make the room to look brighter and create an illusion of more space. Do the same for your ceiling to have more space above.
• Harmonize the colors of your walls and furniture. Divergent hues are inclined to divide space.
• Use wall mirrors to enlarge the look of the room. Mirror reflects images, color and lights. If your budget will allow, you can utilize mirror tiles to reflect the whole wall.
• Avoid having plenty of furniture in your small room. Choose furniture wisely not so big but functional. Big fitment will dwarf the room so do not ever consider buying one. Therefore, get a love seat instead of a full-sized sofa or a sectional one. You can have 2 additional moderate-sized chairs for additional seating. Position the chairs near the wall and get them out when needed.
• Select sofas with legs; the more space is seen the larger the room will appear. Choose furniture in plain-hued upholstery. You can have patterns but should be soft and simple.
• Fabrics must be light, airy and translucent. So select flimsy throws, linens, table cloth and furniture slipcovers. Again, choose soft floral or simple stripes for patterned fabrics.
• Do not put too many decorations to avoid a cluttered look in the room. You can have a small shelf to house the furniture but only a few items must be displayed.
• Put some prints or paintings on your walls. One big painting is enough instead of grouping small paintings.
• Opt to have a glass table regardless if it is a dining or living room. The glass will create an illusion of a freer and open area.
• Always make sure that the visual stability of the room is not sacrificed.

By following the above-mentioned tips, your small room will look larger as well as comfy and welcoming. There is no small room or a big room once you make an organized plan to decorate your room.